Top 5 Most Useful Software for an Architecture Degree

Although architecture students shouldn’t rely solely on technology throughout their degree, various software can help advance the visual representation of architecture projects. Most universities will teach their students how to use certain software so prior knowledge to starting your degree isn’t necessary. However, following software tutorials can often be a great introduction; just giving it a go and messing around can help you develop a personal style. Here is a list of what I found to be the top 5 most useful software for an architecture degree:

     1.   Photoshop

Photoshop is a very powerful tool; you can easily use it to place an orthographic drawing onto site or fix mistakes on your hand drawings. The software can also be used to create graphic diagrams or digital collages to explain architectural concepts in your project. There is also now a Photoshop app, which can be used on an iPad, but I personally still prefer to use the software on a computer.

     2.   SketchUp

SketchUp is useful for creating a quick 3D model of your initial design and this can then be edited whilst developing iterations. There is a great website called ‘cadmapper.com’, which allows you to insert the typography and buildings of your project site. SketchUp also has a useful solar analysis tool to test if iterations coincide with the solar potential of a site. Having a 3D model also makes it easier to produce 3D views of your design, which can be useful even if you just plan to hand draw over them.

     3.   InDesign

If you are looking for a way to step up the presentation of your illustrated essays or portfolio, then InDesign is the tool to help. Using InDesign for essays provides a much more professional finish than leaving it as a Microsoft Word document or equivalent. Although not the most intuitive software to start with, learning how to work text boxes and insert images is enough skills to start using it effectively.

     4.   Revit

Revit is, perhaps, a more technical but less intuitive version of SketchUp. Students who use Revit over SketchUp tend to produce better quality 3D renders. Having a 3D model makes it easier to draw tricky plans and sections that can be hard to otherwise visualise. Additionally, knowledge of Revit has become a desired skill in the workplace, so learning how to use it will be beneficial for long after your degree.

     5.   Procreate

In ways, Procreate is quite similar to photoshop but it is just an app on iPad and requires an apple pencil. The software makes it easy to produce digital drawings with a sketchier appearance with a large range of different pen stroke tools. Procreate it also great for adding final touches to already photoshopped drawings, such as light and shadow or a rainy scene. Although the app is useful for sketching out ideas, I prefer to draw them out by hand on tracing paper so the ideas can be more easily presented to tutors during tutorials.

Overall, a combination of the prementioned software can help develop your architecture work beyond just hand drawing. Your university will likely make most of them available to you, but probably not Procreate. The app doesn’t cost too much so is worth the investment, if you already own an iPad or equivalent, as it can be used throughout your degree.